Ep 14. A Necessary Evil

In Xena: Warrior Princess season 2 episode 14, titled "A Necessary Evil," Xena, still seeking redemption for her past misdeeds, sets out to free a group of villagers from the tyranny of a ruthless warlord. However, in order to succeed in her mission, she must team up with an old enemy -- Callisto, a vengeful warrior seeking revenge against Xena for the death of her family.

As they work together to take down the warlord, Xena and Callisto must navigate their complicated relationship and conflicting ideologies. Xena believes in redemption and second chances, while Callisto thrives on revenge and retribution. As they fight side by side, they clash on how best to handle the villagers they are trying to save.

Meanwhile, Gabrielle, Xena's trusted companion, finds herself drawn to a charismatic preacher who claims to have the power to heal the sick and injured. As she becomes more involved in the preacher's community, she begins to see that his intentions may not be entirely pure.

As the episode unfolds, Xena and Callisto come face to face with the warlord's brutal tactics, and must make a choice about how far they are willing to go in order to achieve their goals. In the end, neither of them emerges unscathed, and Xena is left questioning whether her quest for redemption is truly possible.

"A Necessary Evil" is a complex and thought-provoking episode that explores themes of redemption, revenge, and the gray area between good and evil. The tension between Xena and Callisto provides a compelling throughline, while the subplot involving Gabrielle adds an additional layer of moral ambiguity to the story. Overall, this is a standout episode of a beloved series that continues to resonate with audiences today.